Kalymnos Island National Airport

Kalymnos Airport (JKL) is the air gateway to one of the most authentic islands of the Dodecanese. Opened in 2006, this small and modern airport has become a key link connecting the island with mainland Greece and neighbouring islands. Located on a picturesque plateau overlooking the Aegean Sea, it offers breathtaking views upon landing, serving as the perfect starting point for travellers eager to explore famous rock climbing routes and the rich heritage of sponge divers. The airport is located just a few kilometres from Pothia, the island's capital, making the transfer to your hotel quick and convenient.

The main advantage of Kalymnos Airport is its compactness and efficiency. Thanks to having a single terminal, navigation is intuitive, and check-in and baggage claim procedures are fast, which is especially valuable after a flight. The airport mainly serves domestic flights, and the primary carriers connecting the island with other regions are Sky Express and Olympic Air. They operate regular flights to Athens, Kos, and Leros, allowing travellers to easily combine routes. Taxis are always available at the terminal exit, and local buses also run, providing quick access to the capital, Pothia, and other resort areas.

• Official Website: Information about Kalymnos Airport can be found on the official website of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA): www.ypa.gr.
• Help Desk Phone: +30 22430 59370. We recommend calling during working hours to receive the most accurate information.
• Airport Address: Kalymnos National Airport, Kalymnos 852 00, Greece.
• Email: For official inquiries, you can use the address: kakl@hcaa.gr.
• Social Media: Kalymnos Airport does not have official pages on social media. News and updates are usually published on the websites of the airlines operating flights.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should immediately contact the Lost & Found service of your airline, rather than the airport administration. Airline representative counters are located in the arrivals area.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions related to your stay in the terminal, you can contact the main airport phone number: +30 22430 59370.

Getting to Kalymnos Island National Airport (JKL) from anywhere on the island is quite simple due to its compact size. Whether you are staying in the capital, Pothia, or in popular tourist areas such as Masouri and Myrties, the journey will not take much time. Travellers have several options available: from quick and convenient taxis to budget-friendly buses and flexible car rentals.

The most reliable and fastest way to get to the airport is by taxi or a pre-booked transfer. The trip from the island's capital, Pothia, will take just 10–15 minutes, and from more distant resort villages, such as Masouri, about 20–25 minutes. The cost of the trip is usually 15–25 Euros depending on the distance. This is an especially convenient option if you have a lot of luggage or an early flight.

For those looking for the most economical option, there is a local bus. Transport services on Kalymnos are provided by the KTEL company. It is important to remember that bus routes to the airport can be irregular and are often tied to the schedule of specific flights. The ticket price will be just a few Euros, but we strongly recommend checking the current schedule in advance at the bus station to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Renting a car or scooter is a very popular choice among tourists in Greece, providing maximum freedom. You can explore the island at your own pace, and on the day of departure, simply drive to the airport and return the vehicle there. Most rental agencies offer a car return service directly at the airport, which is very convenient. This is a great way to combine your transfer with the final hours of enjoying the island's beauty.

If you are driving to the airport in a rented car, a small parking lot is available at your service, located right in front of the terminal building. It is usually free, but keep in mind that the number of parking spaces is limited, especially during the peak tourist season. This is a good option for a short stop to drop off passengers or pick up luggage.

Kalymnos Island Airport is a typical terminal for small Greek islands, characterized by compactness and simplicity. There is only one small passenger terminal here, which serves all flights — both arriving and departing.

The terminal layout is extremely simple and intuitive. The building is divided into two main zones: the arrivals area and the departures area. Due to its small size, it is practically impossible to get lost here, and navigation will not cause difficulties even for those visiting for the first time. All necessary signs are present and easy to read.

In the departures area, there are several check-in counters, a security checkpoint, and a small waiting hall with a boarding gate. The arrivals area consists of a baggage claim hall with one baggage belt and an exit to the public area where passengers are met. Since there is only one terminal, transfers between terminals are not required — everything is located in one building within walking distance.

Completing all formalities usually does not take much time. Check-in and security checks last on average 20-40 minutes. However, during the peak tourist season (from July to August), queues are possible, so it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance, approximately 1.5-2 hours before your flight departure. Thanks to the compactness of the airport, the path from the terminal entrance to the boarding gate is very short, making the journey more comfortable.

The airport of Kalymnos (JKL) is one of the youngest in Greece; its history began quite recently. The official opening of the air harbour took place on August 10, 2006. This event was a real breakthrough for the island, which until then was accessible to tourists mainly by sea. The main goal of construction was to create a direct and fast connection with mainland Greece, which would stimulate tourism and save travellers from the need to travel by ferry from the neighbouring island of Kos.

The development of the airport was a unified project focused on creating modern and functional infrastructure for serving domestic flights. Since its opening, it has included one passenger terminal and one runway. Unlike many older airports, the history of Kalymnos does not include many stages of expansion or reconstruction. The very fact of its construction became a key historical event for the economic and tourist development of the island.

Today, the airport continues to play a crucial role in the life of Kalymnos, ensuring stable air connections with Athens. Interestingly, despite its modest size and lack of international flights, it has made a huge contribution to strengthening the island's status as one of the world's best destinations for rock climbing. It is thanks to convenient air access that thousands of outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world flock here annually.

Kalymnos Island National Airport (JKL) is a small and compact aviation hub offering passengers a basic set of services necessary for a comfortable wait before departure. It is important to consider its regional status, as the range of amenities here differs from large international airports.

Dining and Shopping: Inside the terminal building, there is a small buffet where you can purchase soft drinks, coffee, light snacks, sandwiches, and pastries. A small shop is also located here, offering souvenirs, press, and essential items. There are no full-service restaurants or Duty Free zones at the airport.

Lounges and Facilities: A general waiting hall is available for all passengers. Specialized VIP zones or business lounges are absent. In the terminal, you can connect to free Wi-Fi, although its speed may be unstable during high loads. The number of power outlets for charging gadgets is limited, so it is worth bringing a portable power bank.

Financial and Medical Services: An ATM is installed at the airport, but there are no full bank branches or currency exchange points. It is recommended to exchange money in the island's towns beforehand. For emergencies, there is a first aid point in the terminal.

Services for Special Categories of Passengers: A mother and child room is equipped for travellers with small children. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on staff assistance when moving around the terminal and boarding, as well as use ramps and specially equipped toilets. You should notify your airline in advance about the need for such assistance.

Accommodation and Business Services: There are no hotels directly on the territory of Kalymnos Airport. The nearest accommodation options are a few minutes away by taxi or rental car in the island's capital, Pothia, and other settlements. Conference rooms or business centres are also not provided at the airport.

Since the airport of Kalymnos (JKL) is a small regional airport serving primarily domestic flights, dining options here are quite limited. Passengers should not expect a wide variety of restaurants as in major international hubs. Nevertheless, there is everything necessary to grab a snack before departure.

The main place where you can eat is a small cafeteria or snack bar located in the airport's only terminal. Typically, it is situated in the public area (landside), before security control, making it convenient for both departing passengers and those seeing them off. After passing security, choices will likely be absent or limited to a vending machine with drinks and snacks.

The cafeteria menu usually features:

• Ready-made sandwiches.
• Traditional Greek pastries, for example, tiropita (cheese pie) or spanakopita (spinach pie) — an excellent option for getting to know local cuisine in a quick snack format.
• Coffee, tea, juices, and soft drinks.
• Sweets, biscuits, and light snacks.

Regarding special dietary needs, the choice is extremely limited. Vegetarians may find pastries with cheese or spinach suitable, but for vegans, as well as those looking for gluten-free or certified Halal meals, suitable options will likely not be available. In this case, it is recommended to bring food with you. Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city. The cafeteria's opening hours are directly linked to the flight schedule — it opens before the first departure and closes after the last plane leaves. If you are counting on a full hot lunch, it is better to have it beforehand at one of the numerous restaurants on the island.

To ensure your journey goes smoothly, take advantage of our tips for the airport of Kalymnos city. This is a small regional airport, so all procedures here are completed quite quickly. We recommend arriving 1.5–2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. During the peak tourist season (July-August), it is better to allow a little more time due to increased passenger traffic.

To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to go straight to baggage drop or security if you are travelling only with hand luggage. The security procedure is standard, but due to the compact size of the airport, queues here are usually small. Nevertheless, do not forget the general rules: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and sharp objects are prohibited in the cabin.

When choosing a seat on the plane, note that picturesque views await you on either side. If you want to admire the islands of the Aegean Sea during takeoff or landing, choose a window seat. Since flights from the island are usually short, the seat location does not play a critical role, but beautiful shots are guaranteed.

Passengers with connections should remember that most connecting flights from Kalymnos are operated via Athens. Since this is a domestic flight within Greece, there is no need to go through customs control upon arrival in Athens if your next flight is also domestic. If you are flying outside the Schengen zone, you will have to go through passport control at Athens Airport. Always allow enough time for the transfer, especially if a change of terminal is required.

To save money, arrange your transfer from the airport in advance — a taxi ordered on the spot may cost more. At the airport itself, the choice of cafes and shops is limited, so prices may be higher. Bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after security, and light snacks. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative. Information boards are updated promptly, but it is better to have the carrier's contacts on hand to clarify details.